Black Australorp hen or rooster?

[ss07021]

We have 4 black australorps that are about 14 or so weeks old. We noticed that one looks to be either a more mature hen or a rooster. We are relatively new to raising chickens and don’t want any roos. This morning, I was outside and heard what almost sounded like a crow from it. It also tends to herd the other 3 sometimes, but our Rhode Island Red hens sometimes acted like that, too. I checked it’s tail feathers, but couldn’t tell if they were rounded or pointed. I took some quick pics (more to come) if anyone can help out. Will attach more soon. Thanks!

 

[MountainWoman73]

Roo-oo-oo-oo-oo!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Yep, that's a cockerel.

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Yep... Its a boy!

 

[ColtHandorf]

Definitely a cockerel.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Oh yea... its a cockerel... and look at the pics that @EggSighted4Life posted... that's the pointy feathers you're looking for... in the saddle.

 

[ss07021]

Thank you all for your replies. Hoping that it wasn’t the case. Oh well. Are there any advantages to having a rooster?

 

[Chicken Heel]

I hope it is a sweet rooster. I have had a few BA roosters through the years and all were nice to the hens and me with one notable exception; he had the devil in him for sure.

 

[MountainWoman73]

Thank you all for your replies. Hoping that it wasn’t the case. Oh well. Are there any advantages to having a rooster?

If he's nice, he will watch out for the flock, alert them to hawks and predators, and show them where the best food and treats are. I like having one nice rooster. However, I always kill a rooster that's aggressive with people or kids, or one that's too rough with the hens. If they're avoiding him/losing feathers, he's being too rough. If they stick close to him and follow him around the yard, they like him.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Thank you all for your replies. Hoping that it wasn’t the case. Oh well. Are there any advantages to having a rooster?

Truly, only if you plan on breeding. He will defend his hens, but usually at his own risk and/or death. His biggest job is breeding and then protecting young. Some roosters will raise young on their own, without the help of a hen.